The Ten Commandments Project Blog
The Introduction to The Ten Commandments: Va’etchanan
Lawmakers often provide a write-up when enacting a new law. These introductions can include anything from a legislative history to an explanation of the bill’s intent. In the Torah Portion Va’etchanan, Moses introduces the Ten Commandments to all of Israel. In doing so, he imparts essential information for grasping the biblical understanding of the Decalogue.…
Talking to Strangers: The Truth Default
Is the truth special? Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers provides answers. In Talking to Strangers, Gladwell takes on veracity. One takeaway from Gladwell’s exploration is that truth- the concept- is inextricably intertwined into humanity’s fabric. The human connection to the truth is not only profound, it may be biological. Humans, as the book reveals, possess…
Second Law, Second Audience: D’varim
The Book of Deuteronomy begins with the Torah Portion D’varim. In D’varim, Moses begins his final speech on the other side of the Jordan River to all of Israel. Deuteronomy 1:1. The Book of Deuteronomy stands out from the rest of the Pentateuch. Scholars and theologians focus often address Deuteronomy’s significance as either second law…
Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The prohibition from “using the Lord’s name in vain” is the Decalogue Commandment featured in the Torah Portion Matot. Various Matot passages specifically address vows and oaths. Oaths and vows are not only prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible but have also been consequential. Beyond theological concerns, oaths and vows are necessary for building societies. They…
Phinehas: The Torah’s Executive MBA Program
It takes a visionary who explores the past, the present, and the future to fill top executive positions. God, in the Torah Portion Phinehas, offers up a Master Class on hiring practices. In the portion, he has the daunting task of replacing both his Prophet- national leader- as well as his High Priest- religious leader.…
Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History
A Torah Portion Balak’s impactful passage resonates in history. It was referenced as part of a historical event from antiquity. In the post-biblical Book of the Maccabees, the portion Balak is cited during a transformative event; an event that shaped present day history and theology. The Balak passage, however, due to its graphic and violent…
Chukat: The Pentateuch’s MBA Program
The Pentateuch’s Management Master Class includes the Torah Portion Chukat. With God’s post-Exodus Promised Land relocation plan in crisis, the Lord must make a hard pivot. The Portions Chukat- along with Shelach and Korah- document the Deity’s resetting of his fledgling Israelite nation. Across these portions, problematic, stiff-necked and rebellious individuals plague the completion of…
A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter
And the earth was corrupted before God, and the earth was filled with violence. Genesis 6:11 Balls and strikes can be called on Major League Baseball’s scriptural verse controversy. The Torah citation to Genesis 9:12-16, has been pitched by players, including the San Francisco Giant’s Laden Roupp, as worthy scripture. The players have inscribed it…
The Set Up: Korah
I can’t stand it, I know you planned it Beastie Boys Moses, in the Torah Portion Korah, offers up a masterclass on the set up. The set up- as a concept- is neither benign or malicious; it is merely a cunning tactic. Often these deceptions occur right before the victim’s eyes; I know; long ago,…
Pattern Recognition: Shelach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
“… nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” U.S. Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment Pentateuch pattern recognition comes from avid Torah reading. The Torah Portion Shelach’s Sabbath violator tale’s similarity to the earlier…
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The Ten Commandments Project 